Discover what lurks beneath the pier.

Come discover the mysterious creatures that live below the pier! Our trained biologists provide underwater lights that attract spectacular estuary creatures for you to safely scoop up and observe, while our volunteer naturalists help you identify and learn more about what you’ve found. From octopus to anemones, from sea stars to sea slugs, you never know what you’ll encounter! Pier Peer is one of our most popular events, so register early to ensure your spot.

REGISTER FOR PIER PEER

Adult tickets are $15.00 and youth 12 and under are $3.00.

Pier Peer Photo Gallery

During Pier Peer participants get to see elusive estuary creatures up close! At certain Pier Peer events our trained staff and volunteers conduct unique investigations such as plankton tows so we can view plankton under a microscope or ROV (remote operated vehicle)! Keep an eye on our website or follow us on social media to see upcoming Pier Peer dates. 

Check out these Pier Peer photos to get a taste of what you can look forward to at our next Pier Peer event!

Scroll through our event calendar to register for a Pier Peer event!

Click on an event to see details and learn how to register.

Request your own private Pier Peer event!

Would you like to arrange for a private Pier Peer event to discover elusive estuary creatures facilitated by our trained staff & volunteers? The Estuarium offers private group requests for our Pier Peer & Meet the Beach programs, as well as private tours of the Estuarium facility. Request a private event for your group today by visiting our Private Tours page and filling out a Group Inquiry Form! * Fees apply.

Contact our Program & Volunteer Director for questions about private programs.

VISIT PRIVATE EVENTS PAGE

Registration Policies

Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel Pier Peer due to low registration (under 8 participants) or bad weather. Our weather policy is based on Olympia School District closures, i.e. if the Olympia School District closes its schools based on weather, we will also cancel Pier Peer. In the case of above cancellations, the Estuarium will make every effort to work with registrants to reschedule. All other cancellations (e.g. no shows or personal reasons) will not be rescheduled, nor refunded. 

Youth 12 & Under

Youth 12 & under are $3.oo each. Life jackets must be worn during this event and youth 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult (at least 1 adult per 2 children). This event involves some contact with deep water and is not recommended for children under 6 years old. 

Liability Waiver

All participants must sign a liability waiver that will be provided at the event.

Attire/Gear

We highly recommend that each participant bring their own flashlight. Please wear non-slip shoes and dress for the weather.

For questions about Pier Peer please contact our Program Coordinator.